Center for Biological Diversity


Media Advisory, April 5, 2016

Contacts:  Katie Davis, Center for Biological Diversity, (801) 560-2414, kdavis@biologicaldiversity.org
Sandy Bahr, Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter, (602) 999-5790
Mike Quigley, The Wilderness Society, (520) 334-8741, mike_quigley@tws.org      

Film Screening Celebrates Grand Canyon, Highlights Need for National Monument

Congressman Raúl Grijalva to Open Event at Loft Cinema

TUCSON, Ariz.— Three original films that capture the diverse personal, cultural, recreational and biological values of the greater Grand Canyon region will be shown at the Loft Cinema in Tucson on Saturday, followed by an audience Q&A with supporters of the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument proposal. Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who introduced the framework legislation for the proposal in Congress last year, will open the event.  

The films view the greater Grand Canyon region through the eyes of adventurers, tribal leaders, athletes, veterans, scientists and artists who explore, train, conduct research and live in this iconic landscape. The films showcase the monumental beauty of the canyon, the conservation legacy of past generations and highlight the need to permanently protect the area’s water sources, wildlife and heritage.

Films will be shown starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 9 at the Loft Cinema.

  • “Martin’s Boat,” a film by Peter McBride: A celebration of the life and activism of Martin Litton told through the story of a dory’s maiden voyage down the Colorado River. Film will run approximately 24 minutes.
  • “The Land We Defend,” a film by Ian Shive: A story of seven military veterans who were strangers before connecting in the wilderness of the Grand Canyon region. Film will run approximately 8 minutes.
  • “North Rim Notes,” a film by Ed George: A stunning showcase of the landscapes of the greater Grand Canyon and the people who work, study and have lived in the Grand Canyon who support the proposed national monument. Film will run approximately 14 minutes.

Interviews and film clips
Congressman Raúl Grijalva and campaign supporters working for the designation of the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument will be available for comment. Film trailers, clips and still photos are available upon request.

Background
The culmination of more than a decade of effort by local Arizona communities to protect the culture and environment of the greater Grand Canyon region, the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument proposal presents a clear path toward more inclusive and ecologically sound management of America’s public lands surrounding Grand Canyon National Park.

In November Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), ranking member of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources, introduced legislation that provides the framework for this national monument proposal. Support for the proposal also comes from local tribal nations and communities, local elected officials, and a broad range of recreation, business and conservation interests across the state.

In light of congressional inaction, these groups, along with people across the country, have called on President Barack Obama to take action to protect the greater Grand Canyon region from toxic uranium mining and ensure a sustainable future for the people of northern Arizona by using his authority under the Antiquities Act to designate this national monument during his remaining year in office.


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